What are the Aspects of a Successful Intervention?

If you are thinking about putting together an intervention for your loved one, you probably have a lot of questions about how to go about the process. The experience can be rewarding but it also can be stressful and overwhelming. To make the intervention as successful as possible, you need careful planning, a loving but firm approach and group involvement.

Let’s take a look at some of the aspects that can help your intervention run smoothly.

Planning Ahead

It can seem easy at first glance to put together an intervention, but there are a lot of small details to coordinate. For example, where do you plan to stage the intervention? It’s best to choose a time where the addict won’t be under the influence. It also needs to be a place where the addict will agree to meet without suspecting anything.

Other logistics to take into account include the time, who will be in attendance and what the schedule of the addict is. A professional interventionist can help you finalize these details.

Unified Front

Everyone needs to be on the same page. If there is any wavering, the addict can take advantage of it and manipulate those in the intervention. When preparing for the meeting, make sure that everyone is in agreement about how to approach the addict and what treatment will follow immediately after.

It can also help to prepare for the objections that the addict may have to delay treatment. For instance, if you know that the addict will say she has her kids to take care of, be prepared with the offer to watch her children while she stays in treatment. You don’t want any obstacles to stand in the way.

Written Statements

Each person in the intervention will have a chance to talk. Most people choose to read a personal letter. The purpose of this exercise is to explain how the addict’s choices have impacted their lives. Make sure that when writing your letter, you focus on your feelings only. You cannot speak for others; only yourself.

Treatment Planning

A final consideration is where you plan to send your loved one for treatment. There can’t be any delays from the intervention to rehab, otherwise the addict may change their mind and not go.

Before staging the intervention, talk to various rehab centers and choose one that best fits your loved one’s needs. Some of the factors to consider include local vs out-of-town, the length of the program and the type of program. You will also need to pack a bag for the addict and arrange for transportation.

You do not have to do this alone. There are professional interventionists who work with families on a regular basis to make interventions most successful. Some work independently, or you can be referred to them by the treatment center of your choice. If you have any questions, please call The River Source today.